South Africa is ideally suited to be a launch pad to business entry into Africa. We successfully “exported” MTN now a global telco, and Walmart’s foray into Africa will start with its acquisition of Massmart South Africa. South Africa’s stable government, legislative environment and business friendly community all bode well for this place at the tip of the continent.
The dictum of “here be dragons” must surely now read “here be giants” and the giants go by the names MTN, Ecobank and Shoprite amongst others. These giants all answer though to the same call name that is “Opportunity”. HERE BE GIANTS INDEED
Category: Talent
Vibrant music scene
The South African music scene is vibrant, eclectic and experimental all at the same time. We have luminaries such as Hugh Masekela, Ladysmith Black Mabaso and the Palortones all bringing us international recognition.
International conference destination
South Africa is a internationally recognised venue for conferences, seminars and trade shows. Not to mentioned world class in terms of sporting facilities and concerts. U2, Fifa and numerous others will attest to this fact. What’s not to love?
So many people doing good things
South Africans are just doing it for themselves. I know so many great people who have decided that they will stop complaining and start doing something. Whether it’s doing youth work in the townships like Alexander or Soweto. Teaching dance, music, helping out with home work classes, or showing whole communities how to grow vegetables in plastic tunnels so they feed themselves. South Africans are doing it for themselves or helping others do it. What about the Gift of the Givers, who send aid around the world, to Haiti, to Afghanistan or now to Libya. Or the South African mining company that sent the equipment and the personnel to Chile to free the miners who were trapped down a shaft, or the the rescue personnel who assist with search and rescue with specially trained dogs. I salute them all, because they are why I love South Africa.
South African professional talent
I am always amazed with the depth of talent South Africa has. This across all spheres of life, sport, business and professional. I spent this morning with a town-planner who is working on some national projects, in his spare time he runs a feeding scheme for the underpriviledged. My other guest was a female professional who is an engineer, a MBA graduate and a consultant on various megaprojects. She is passionate about the environement, about South Africa, she is also deeply committed to family and thus supports an extended family network. These people make South Africa great.
A perfect gift
I love South Africa because when I reflect on Valentine’s Day I know South Africa gave the ultimate gift to many the world over. The first heart transplant was done on 3 Dec 1967 at Groote Schuur Hospital by Dr. Christiaan Bernard and his team. As you exchange gifts of red hearts, spare a thought for the real gift that South Africa gave the world. Another great reason to just love this place!
21 years of a free Nelson Mandela
Another reason to love South Africa it that we are celebrating 21 years since Mandela was released from prison. It was on this day in 1990 when he was returned to us as he walked into our hearts and we embraced him then as we do now.